Early Learning Facilities Program.

The Department of Commerce (Commerce) administers the Early Learning Facilities (ELF) program, which provides grants and loans to eligible organizations to plan, renovate, purchase, and construct early learning facilities. ?Eligible organizations include providers of Working Connections Child Care (WCCC), Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) contractors, developers of housing and community facilities, community and technical colleges, educational service districts, local governments, federally recognized tribes, and religiously affiliated entities. ?In the 2023-25 biennium, grants and loans are limited to the following amounts:?

• $21,605 for facility predesign, feasibility planning, and project development;
• $216,052 for minor renovation or repairs of existing early learning facilities; and
• $2.5 million to create, purchase, or expand early learning facilities.

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School districts may also receive grants or loans to purchase, construct, or renovate early learning classrooms up to $1 million.

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Generally, state funding for capital projects is to be disbursed in proportion to nonstate matching funds. ?For the last two fiscal biennia, state capital budgets have authorized early learning facilities collocated with affordable or supporting housing developments to receive reimbursement for state ELF awards regardless of the proportionate share of nonstate funding.?

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The ELF program ?is funded from the Ruth LeCocq Kagi Early Learning Facilities Revolving Account and the Ruth LeCocq Kagi Early Learning Facilities Development Account.

Early Learning Facilities Program.

ELF program grant or loan limits are removed effective July 1, 2025. ?Grant or loan awards for ELF construction, renovation, purchase, or repair grants are prioritized to facilities that are ready for construction. ?Translation services are added as an eligible administrative cost. ?ELF program facilities collocated with housing developments are allowed to receive state funding for up to 90 percent of the project cost, regardless of the proportionate match amount. ?The department may adopt rules, instead of must adopt rules, to implement the ELF program.

A severability clause is added.